Quick Facts
About Aberdare National Park
Peak Time
June - October
Best Time To Go
Year-round, but the dry season (June – October) offers the best wildlife viewing
Famous For
Mountain landscapes, waterfalls, rare wildlife, and The Ark Lodge
Home Of
The Big Five, rare forest species, over 290 bird species, and scenic hiking trails
Overview
Located in central Kenya, Aberdare National Park is one of the country’s most unique and diverse parks, known for its mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls. Covering 767 square kilometers, the park is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, with elevations ranging from 2,100 to 4,300 meters.
Unlike the open savannahs of other parks, Aberdare offers a cool, high-altitude safari experience. It is home to rare forest-dwelling animals, including the elusive bongo antelope, black leopards, and giant forest hogs. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and historic sites, making Aberdare a perfect destination for both wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
Wildlife
Aberdare National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including both savannah and forest species. Visitors can spot:
- Big Five – Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.
- Rare Species – Bongos, black leopards, giant forest hogs, and colobus monkeys.
- Over 290 Bird Species – Including the Hartlaub’s turaco, crowned eagle, and Jackson’s francolin.
- Endangered Mountain Animals – Such as the African golden cat and Melanistic serval cats.
Many animals gather around tree lodges like The Ark and Treetops Lodge, where visitors can watch wildlife from observation decks.
Scenic Landscapes & Waterfalls
Aberdare is one of Kenya’s most scenic parks, offering:
- Karuru Falls – The tallest waterfall in Kenya, plunging 273 meters in three stunning steps.
- Chania Falls & Gura Falls – Breathtaking cascades surrounded by lush green forests.
- Moorlands & Bamboo Forests – Providing a cool, misty atmosphere unlike any other park in Kenya.
- Aberdare Peaks – Including Ol Doinyo Lesatima (4,001m) and Kinangop Peak (3,906m), perfect for trekking.
Activities
Aberdare National Park offers a variety of outdoor adventures and safari experiences, including:
- Game Drives – Explore the forests and moorlands in search of unique wildlife.
- Hiking & Trekking – Discover scenic mountain trails with breathtaking views.
- Birdwatching – Spot rare montane and forest bird species.
- Waterfall Visits – Experience Kenya’s most spectacular waterfalls.
- Night Game Viewing – Enjoy wildlife watching at The Ark and Treetops Lodge, famous for their floodlit waterholes.
Inspired by What You See? Let’s Bring Your Journey to Life!
Best Time to Visit
Aberdare National Park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies by season:
- June – October (Dry Season): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes.
- November – May (Wet Season): Best for scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and birdwatching, though some roads may be muddy.
Accommodation
Aberdare offers unique accommodations, including tree lodges, luxury lodges, and mountain campsites. The most famous options include:
- The Ark Lodge – A treehouse-style lodge with night game viewing decks.
- Treetops Lodge – The historic lodge where Queen Elizabeth II was staying when she became queen in 1952.
- Aberdare Country Club – A relaxing retreat in the foothills of the mountains.
Why Visit Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is a unique safari destination that combines wildlife, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you want to hike through misty mountains, watch rare animals, or relax in a tree lodge, Aberdare offers an extraordinary experience unlike any other park in Kenya.